GJM leader steps down `protesting` Tamang`s murder

A senior Gorkha Janmukti
Morcha leader Sunday resigned from the party "in protest
against" the murder of All India Gorkha League chief Madan
Tamang, but the GJM sought to downplay the issue saying he was
not a "direct" member.

Darjeeling: A senior Gorkha Janmukti
Morcha leader Sunday resigned from the party "in protest
against" the murder of All India Gorkha League chief Madan
Tamang, but the GJM sought to downplay the issue saying he was
not a "direct" member.

"I have already sent my resignation letter to party
chief Bimal Gurung in protest against the killing of Tamang in
broad daylight in Darjeeling on May 21," Anmol Prasad, who
represented GJM in the first four rounds of tripartite talks,
said.

He said the killing took place at a time when GJM was
spearheading its movement for a settlement to the issue.

"But most unfortunately, people at large have now
started believing in the morcha`s hand behind the murder,"
Prasad claimed.

When asked if he was going to float another political
party, Prasad said, "Basically, I am not a politician. I have
supported GJM for a democratic movement to achieve
Gorkhaland."

In an apparent bid to downplay the issue, GJM
assistant general secretary Binoy Tamang said that Prasad was
not "a direct member" of the party and he was just heading
a study forum affiliated to it.

"We are yet to get the details for making further
comments on this issue," Binoy Tamang said.

GJM chief Bimal Gurung earlier demanded a CBI inquiry
into the killing of Tamang who was hacked while overseeing
preparations for a AIGL rally here.